Family:

Myrtaceae

Leptospermum polygalifolium

Lemon-scented Tea-tree

(syn. L. flavescens)

Other Names: Tantoon, Tantoon Teatree.

Name Origin:

polygalifolium – from Latin meaning leaves similar to those in genus Polygale.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in Munderoo district. Possibly also in surrounding areas.

Australia:

Qld, NSW.

Habitat:

Sandy soil or on sandstone or basalt soils, and along rocky watercourses.

Habit:

Shrub or small tree 1-7 m high with firm, but soft smooth bark. Narrow leaves 5-20 mm long.

Site Preference:

Resists frost.

Characteristics:

Fast-growing. Lifespan up to several decades.

Flowering:

Aug-Jan. Often profuse and honey-scented.

Propagation:

From seed or cuttings.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Good low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Excellent for stabilising creeks and riverbanks due to soil-binding fibrous roots. It also protects banks as it is flexible enough to lie down in floods due to the weight of fast-flowing water.

Wildlife:

Good streamside habitat.

Timber:

Close-grained, hard, tough and light-coloured.

Ornamental:

Attractive garden specimen. Prune to encourage bushiness.

Other:

Lemon-scented leaves occasionally used as tea substitute in colonial times.